White board and white board display system

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/759,540, filed Jan. 16, 2004 now abandoned, entitled Board System, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for displaying a board and housing several boards. More particularly, the present invention relates to a board system that provides for the easy removal of several boards from a storage device.

The use of erasable boards for presentations is known. Such boards include chalkboards, such as blackboards and greenboards, and white boards. For ease in presenting and storing data, individuals have come to rely on several boards instead of just one board fastened to a wall.

The prior art has presented several options for a user of boards. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,531,898 to Facemire, a plurality of display boards are suspended for sliding along a track In U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,890 to Behlen, Jr., a plurality of display panels or signs are mountable within tracks formed in parallel upstanding side posts. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,693 to Webster, the structure includes details of roller assemblies used for movably supporting a sign or panel along a track. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,331 to Owen, a board base apparatus provided both storage and display of board panels using slots or tracks.

Each of these prior art storage and display units includes tracks in order to store the boards. However, inserting and removing the boards from the units can be difficult because each board must fit into a narrow track in order to properly hold the board. These units are difficult to work with and are expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a writing board system essentially comprising several white boards and a frame for mounting to a vertical surface <b>20</b>. The white boards may be removably interconnected to one another and supported to the frame by a series of mounting brackets. The mounting brackets include a first channel that is positioned over a leg of the frame and securely connected thereto via a bolt and nut and a second channel oriented in the opposite direction from the first channel that is positioned in supporting relation to the white boards. To ensure a high level of support, it is contemplated that mounting brackets would be positioned at the bottom of the boards and frame, as well on each of the sides of the boards and frame.

The present invention further includes the use of index tabs that may be removably mounted on any of the white boards for purposes of identifying a topic or otherwise distinguishing one board from another. The white boards include trim that extends around the periphery of the writing surfaces and the trim's outwardly facing surface includes a channel formed therein. The index tabs are adapted to be securely positioned within these channels.

The present invention further includes handles that may be removably connected to any or all of the boards. The handle can also be used to clampingly secure a wall mounting bracket to the board, thereby permitting secure fixation of a board on a wall.

The present invention further includes an adjustable mounting bracket that permits the frame to be supported on a vertical structure, such as a cubicle wall or a door. The mounting bracket includes a first member secured to the frame and a second member adjustably connected thereto. Collectively, the two members define a U-shaped bracket that may be hung on the top edge of a wall or door. Elongated slots formed in the overlying portions of the two members permit the width of the bracket to be adjusted to accommodate vertical structures of varying widths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the white board system of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a fragmentary, exploded perspective of a series of boards;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an exploded perspective of a single white board;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a rear elevation of the white board system of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a front elevation view of the handle of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front elevation view of the handle and wall mounting bracket of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d </i>are cross-sectional, top plan, front elevation, and side elevation views of the index tab of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a front elevation view of the frame of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9</figref><i>a </i>and <b>9</b><i>b </i>are both front elevation views of the frame and board support brackets of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10</figref><i>a</i>-<b>10</b><i>c </i>are top plan, front elevation, side elevation, and cross-sectional views of the accessory tray that goes with the board system of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11</figref><i>a </i>and <b>11</b><i>b </i>are cross-section and top plan views of support brackets of the present invention; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a cross-sectional view of an accessory tray that may be used with a white board of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> a writing board system, designated generally by reference numeral <b>10</b>, essentially comprising several white boards <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, <b>16</b>, and a frame <b>18</b> for mounting to a vertical surface <b>20</b>. It should be understood that system <b>10</b> may be used in connection with a single white board or any additional number of boards and that the number shown in the figures is for illustrative purposes only. In addition, the term “white board” is used for sake of convenience, but it should be understood that the term encompasses any type of board panel containing a substrate adapted to be written upon or have items displayed thereon, all of which are well known in the art.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, board <b>12</b> includes opposing planar surfaces <b>22</b> either or both of which can be written upon, and trim <b>24</b> extending substantially fully around the periphery of surfaces <b>22</b>. Trim <b>24</b> comprises elongated legs <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, and <b>32</b> that are interconnected to one another about the periphery of surfaces <b>22</b> by corner connectors <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>, <b>38</b>, and <b>40</b>. Due to the rectangular periphery of board <b>12</b>, as illustrated, there are four legs and four corner pieces. It should be appreciated that the periphery of board <b>12</b>, and hence trim <b>24</b>, can be any shape and rectangular is simply illustrated for sake of convenience.

Corner connectors <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>, <b>38</b>, and <b>40</b> are each equipped with board fastening elements <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, <b>46</b>, and <b>48</b>, respectively, positioned on each of their opposite, outwardly facing surfaces. Fastening elements <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, <b>46</b>, and <b>48</b> can be any conventional fastener, such as pile fabric, hook fabric, snaps and snap receivers, magnets, or the like, and serve to interconnect a plurality of boards together such that each board extends in parallel planes and in overlying relation to the adjacent board.

Legs <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, and <b>32</b> each include an elongated channel <b>50</b>, <b>52</b>, <b>54</b>, and <b>56</b>, respectively, formed therein and extending longitudinally there along. A pair of internally threaded openings <b>58</b>, <b>60</b>, are formed in each leg <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, and <b>32</b>, and are laterally spaced relative to one another equidistant from each leg's midpoint.

A U-shaped handle <b>62</b> is provided that can be interconnected to board <b>12</b>. Handle <b>62</b> includes a pair of holes <b>64</b>, <b>66</b>, formed through its opposite ends. Thumb screws <b>68</b>, <b>70</b>, or an equivalent fastener, pass through holes <b>64</b> and <b>66</b>, and into openings <b>58</b>, <b>60</b>, (or <b>58</b>′. <b>60</b>′) respectively, where they threadingly terminate and securely interconnect handle <b>62</b> to board <b>12</b>.

If it is desired to mount board <b>12</b> on a wall, a mounting block <b>72</b> can be used. Mounting block <b>72</b> is essentially U-shaped, corresponding in outline to handle <b>62</b>, and may be clampingly secured between handle <b>62</b> and board <b>12</b>. A pair of laterally spaced openings <b>74</b>, <b>76</b>, are formed through block <b>72</b> and provide a mounting means that is secure and resists rotation. It should be noted that the board can be mounted either vertically or horizontally due to holes <b>58</b>, <b>60</b> (on each of the long ends of board <b>12</b>) or <b>58</b>′, <b>60</b>′ (formed in both short ends of board <b>12</b>).

Surfaces <b>22</b> further include a series of fins <b>77</b> that are securely connected thereto along their base edges, but are not otherwise secured to surface <b>22</b>. Preferably fins <b>77</b> are composed of a plastic or similar flexible material that may lie flat against surface <b>22</b>. The purpose of fins <b>77</b> is to permit sheet material such as papers, laminated papers, posters, maps, presentations, calendars, placards, signage, wall planners, and pictures to be positioned between the fins and surface <b>22</b>, thus securely positioning the sheet material on board <b>12</b>.

As system <b>10</b> contemplates use of multiple boards, the use of index tabs proves useful. Thus, the present invention provides index tabs <b>78</b> that may be written upon or otherwise used in a manner to identify topics on different boards. Index tabs <b>78</b> are t-shaped in cross section, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a</i>-<b>7</b><i>d</i>, with the cross member <b>80</b> being positioned closer to one end of the leg member <b>82</b> than the other. The shorter leg member <b>82</b> is adapted for secure placement within any of channels <b>50</b>, <b>52</b>, <b>54</b>, or <b>56</b>, thereby leaving the longer of leg members <b>82</b> exposed and therefore capable of being viewed.

Frame <b>18</b> comprises a rectangular array of legs <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, and <b>90</b>, and is preferably composed of a suitable, predominantly rigid material, such as aluminum. Mounting cornices <b>92</b>, <b>94</b>, <b>96</b>, and <b>98</b> are positioned at the intersection of the leg members, and provide a plate that can be used for mounting frame <b>18</b> on a wall or as an interconnect point for a mounting bracket <b>100</b> that may be used to mount frame <b>18</b> on a cubicle or door.

The inwardly facing surfaces of each leg <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, and <b>90</b> include a pair of laterally spaced apart openings <b>102</b>, <b>104</b> formed therein. An accessory tray <b>106</b> is attached to a pair of S-shaped mounting brackets <b>108</b> that each include a first, downwardly facing channel <b>110</b> adapted for placement over one of legs <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, and <b>90</b>, with an opening <b>112</b> formed therethrough. Once channel <b>110</b> is placed over one of legs <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, or <b>90</b>, holes <b>112</b> are aligned with openings <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>, and fastening screws (or knurled knobs) <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> are inserted through the holes and tightened, thereby securely interconnecting tray <b>106</b> to frame <b>18</b>.

Mounting bracket <b>108</b> further includes a second, upwardly facing channel <b>118</b> that is adapted to receive and removably support one or more of boards <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, and <b>16</b> therein. The tray <b>120</b> is attached to and extends forwardly from second channel <b>118</b>. Markers <b>121</b> and/or erasers <b>122</b> may be placed in tray for easy access by a user of system <b>10</b>.

To provide further support to boards <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> that may be supported along their bottom edges by bracket <b>108</b>, a pair of S-shaped brackets <b>126</b> that are for all intents and purposes identical to the S-shaped bracket <b>108</b> (but without the tray <b>120</b>), may have their first channel interconnected to whichever of legs <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, and <b>90</b> happen to be oriented to the sides, and their second channels positioned in supporting relation to boards <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, and <b>16</b>. By supporting boards <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, and <b>16</b> along all three sides, it is highly unlikely that one of the boards will fall from frame <b>18</b> and potentially break or cause injury to a person in proximity to system <b>10</b>.

To further support boards <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, <b>16</b> while in frame <b>18</b>, the corner intersections of the front surfaces of legs <b>84</b>, <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, and <b>90</b> are provided with a suitable fastener <b>123</b>, <b>125</b>, <b>127</b>, and <b>129</b> that corresponds with fasteners <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, <b>46</b>, and <b>48</b>, such that the rear-most board supported by frame <b>18</b> will be removably fastened to frame <b>18</b> through the cooperation of fasteners <b>123</b>, <b>125</b>, <b>127</b>, and <b>129</b> with fasteners <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, <b>46</b>, and <b>48</b>. Thus, fasteners <b>123</b>, <b>125</b>, <b>127</b>, and <b>129</b> can be hook fabric, pile fabric, magnets, or snap/snap receivers, or any equivalent thereof.

As indicated previously, mounting bracket <b>100</b> may be used to mount frame <b>18</b> to a cubicle, door, or similar vertical structure. Bracket <b>100</b> includes a first L-shaped member <b>128</b> adapted to be connect to one of the cornices <b>92</b>, <b>94</b>, <b>96</b>, or <b>98</b>, via a nut and bolt or similar fastening arrangement, and a second L-shaped member <b>130</b> adjustably connected to first L-shaped member <b>128</b> via a wing nut <b>132</b>. Both L-shaped members <b>128</b>, <b>130</b> include elongated slots <b>134</b>, <b>136</b>, respectively, formed through the legs that overlap to interconnect the two. Thus, the width separating the two L-shaped members is adjustable thereby permitting bracket <b>100</b> to be used to mount frame <b>18</b> to a vertical structure having a variable width.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, if using white board <b>12</b> without frame <b>18</b>, an accessory tray <b>138</b> may be employed. Accessory tray <b>138</b> includes a hook shaped connecting member <b>140</b> that engages the channel <b>50</b>, <b>52</b>, <b>54</b>, or <b>56</b>, and a curved accessory holding tray <b>142</b>.

While the present invention has been described in respect of its preferred embodiment, it should be understood that modifications may be made while remaining within the full scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.